What kind of test do OB gyns make you do on your very first visit? Is it standard procedure that I get checked for pregnancy and STDs?
You don’t have to get tested for anything you don’t want to get tested for! You decide, not your doctor. They will do an external exam of your chest and ovaries, pressing and feeling for lumps. Then, they will do an internal exam and swab your cervical cells, which will then be checked for cancer or irregularities. This is known as a pap smear. Certain STIs, bacterial ones like chlamydia and also trichomonas can be tested by taking a sample swab of vaginal fluid. Other STIs need to be tested by blood, so if you want, your doc can order a blood test for you. There’s really no need to get a pregnancy test from your doctor unless you suspect you’re pregnant!
You can use the time to ask questions about any of the following:
periods and period pain
any pains at all, really, such as ovary pain or pain with sex
itching or bumps
yeast infection or UTI
birth control
safer sex
fertility
breast self exams
family history of reproductive cancers or other diseases
how often you should go for checkups and pap smear
We’ve posted more on first time obgyn appointments, please check the tags!– Mimi
